Activities For Dogs Who Like Road Trips

Introduction

It’s time to pack up the car and hit the dusty trail. And don’t forget your best friend in the whole world - your good ole doggo! After all, your pup loves the open road, windows down, and the breeze on their face. They’re excited from the moment you say “go” really, and that tail is wagging throughout the journey. But how do you entertain the pooch, especially if you’re both in for the long-haul, a stretch of hours that you know will be exhausting? Here are some activities for dogs who like fast cars and freedom.

Sweet Dog Dreams

Most Popular

5 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Doggie Sleep Companions

Activity description

Sleeping? Is that really an activity? You bet it is, and your dog will love it. You can sing them a lullaby or simply talk to them. Saying their name will actually make them feel safe and “at home” on the road. And when we say that your items needed are their sleep companions, obviously that can’t include you if you're driving. We’re talking about a cuddly item that your dog will recognize. So don’t forget to pack that along for the ride! While you’re busy driving, checking the GPS, and looking for patrol cars, they’ll be busy chasing rabbits in their sleep!

Step

1

Sleepytime companions

You might pack a certain cushion or dog bed that your pet absolutely loves. They fall on that worn pillow, and they smell and feel the comforts of home right there in the car. If you don’t have one of these that you can easily transport, bring along a blanket or sweatshirt that will remind them of the house or porch naps.

Step

2

Ssshhh! Zzzzzz...

You know how easily they wake up. Do your best to keep quiet. Play soft music; that truly helps. It mutes any low talking you have to do, cell phone rings, crinkling wrappers, and other outside-the-vehicle distractions. Let them rest peacefully in the back, without having to constantly be startled by the slightest movement or bump.

Step

3

Friendly wake-up

When it’s time to wake up, let them see a friendly face or hear a friendly voice. Talk to them in that puppy-talk you always use. They’ll feel rested, fulfilled by doggie dreams, and ready to play at the next rest area. Maybe it’s meal time! That’ll make them glad for the journey for sure.

Howl-Along

Popular

3 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Music in the car

Activity description

This activity is rather simple, but some dogs can’t get enough of it. Don’t be discouraged if they don’t pick up on singing right at first. Some dogs may not like to sing or actually have no idea what to do when these strange voices begin to make sounds. You may be surprised, though. Your doggo may love napping to classical or howling right along with some country or R&B jams. Allow your passenger to control the musical selections if at all possible. Or use the radio! Let’s make this a fun but safe road trip. Happy trails to you, and happy singing/howling.

Step

1

Set your playlist

If you’re using your phone or CD player for music, set that doggie playlist before you hit the road. It’s not safe to be searching and fumbling through the car for what you need while you’re driving. Plan ahead, and think about what your little cutie might respond to best.

Step

2

You've got to sing

Whether you’re a good or bad singer, you’ve got to cut loose and participate in this activity yourself. Do it for the fur children! When they see you singing along, that will encourage them to howl along as well. You might even howl along to show them how much fun this activity can be. Prepare to laugh. Don’t get too distracted if you’re the driver.

Step

3

Repeat songs

As your dog is warming up to Howl-Along, repeat songs that they seem interested in. If you can see them in the rearview mirror, or if you have another passenger aboard, just pay attention to what they like. You can tell. Those ears will jump, the tail will wag, and some mild howling may ensue.

Rest Area Relief

Least Popular

2 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Dog toys

Doggie waste bags

Dog treats

Activity description

The best thing you can do for your road-tripping pet is to stop and play every two hours. They have to take potty breaks like we do (a lot of times more frequently), and they need to stretch and exercise. Stopping at a rest area will allow everyone in the car to expend some energy. No matter the weather, this is important. Be sure to check the forecasts along your entire route; you may need umbrellas, heavy coats, and more. Take care of your own business first, and then come back for your pet. You might even slip them a treat while they’re still in the car, just to let them know you appreciate their cooperation and great behavior.

Step

1

You do you

First things first: take care of your needs at the rest area. It’s not that you’re being selfish. It’s just that when you have your dog outside the vehicle, they are going to want and probably require your undivided attention. So go to the restroom, grab a snack, stretch, and locate any items you need from your packed bags before inviting your dog out to explore.

Step

2

Walk and play

Each rest area will be unique with tons of new smells. So walk your dog for about five minutes. Let them sniff, potty, and even notice the other animals that could potentially be at the rest area. Don’t pull their toys out initially, or they’ll get playtime on their mind. But after they’re finished walking and pottying, play Frisbee or even good ole fetch with a stick. Be sure to locate any designated dog sections and adhere to the rest stop’s rules. Play for about 10 minutes.

Step

3

Tricks for treats at the car

Head back to the car after playtime, and instruct your pup to perform some tricks they know. Reward them with treats. This way, they associate the car with treats (aka the most fun). You’ve given them one when they left, and now they’re getting more when they return. Continue to help them realized that they’re not trapped. This is a happy place! Road trips are still a good time!

More Fun Ideas...

Doggo Convo

More than likely, your pooch loves the sound of your voice when you say their name. Have little conversations with them along the journey. They’ll eat every second of that up!

New Toys

Introduce a new toy for the trip, and this will keep your pup interested as they check it out, sniff it, bite it, and cuddle with it. You might even buy a few and introduce them one by one after a number of hours in a really long car ride.

Conclusion

No dog likes to be left behind, so if it’s possible to bring them along and they actually enjoy road trips, then, by all means, pack them up in the car. Let them hear and feel the hum of the highway. Let them experience a meal on wheels. Let them enjoy being around you, which is honestly, their favorite thing in all the world!

Dog Owner Experiences

Baloo

German Shepherd

Seattle, WA

Moderate Energy

Happy

Cuddly

Jumpy

Baloo's Activity

We had fun driving from Seattle to Portland, Baloo certainly had fun sitting in the car with us.

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Mindy

Lhasapoo

San Diego, CA

Low Energy

Calm

Cheerful

Mindy's Activity

I don’t mind admitting that I love spoiling my 10 year old Lhasapoo. Mindy’s attitude just screams “ride the highway of life, but do so in the right lane and watch out for bumps”. It makes her the perfect companion for rides along the 5 between my two favorite cities.

6 months, 2 weeks ago

Bobo

Chow Chow

San Francisco, CA

Moderate Energy

Friendly

Reserved

Bobo's Activity

It's a great mix of the woodsy-feel with all the redwood trees and the sand and the ocean so close by. Bobo really likes the wind in his face whether it's during the drive or a stop on the beach - he gets the best of both worlds!